Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 42
Prayāga-māhātmya — The Greatness of Prayāga and the Discipline of Pilgrimage
गङ्गायमुनयोर्मध्ये यस्तु ग्रामं प्रतीच्छति / सुवर्णमथ मुक्तां वा तथैवान्यान् प्रतिग्रहान्
gaṅgāyamunayormadhye yastu grāmaṃ pratīcchati / suvarṇamatha muktāṃ vā tathaivānyān pratigrahān
But whoever, in the tract between the Gaṅgā and the Yamunā, accepts a village as a gift—whether gold, pearls, or other donations as well—incurs grave fault, for such receiving is condemned in that sacred region.
Sūta (narrator) conveying the Kurma Purana’s teaching on dāna-dharma
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
This verse is primarily ethical rather than metaphysical: it frames purity of conduct (especially non-greed in sacred spaces) as supportive of inner purity, which the Purana elsewhere treats as necessary for realizing the Self.
No specific āsana or meditation is taught here; instead it stresses yama-like restraint—non-possessiveness and freedom from greed—presented as a dharmic discipline that protects spiritual practice in holy regions.
It does not directly mention Śiva or Viṣṇu; its contribution to the Kurma Purana’s synthesis is indirect—upholding tīrtha-dharma and ethical restraint as shared foundations for both Śaiva (including Pāśupata) and Vaiṣṇava spiritual paths.